Global implications of Rapid: an international system facilitating inexpensive resource sharing

Lars Leon, University of Kansas Libraries

This paper will briefly describe the Rapid system which facilitates interlending of articles between libraries, document suppliers, and open access journals. Strengths and weaknesses of the system will be identified followed by analysis of how well those system aspects can be applied globally. System elements analyzed include extent of the collections available, how easy the system is to use, support and capabilities of the system vendor including the ability to be flexible and adapt new features quickly. It will also analyze the system in relation to international challenges including copyright, ability to interact with various types of interlibrary loan managing systems, and human interactions. This paper will conclude with an overall summary of how a system like this can impact efficient global sharing of information.

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